Automated Hydroponic Growing Appliance

ABSTRACT

This invention is a hydroponic appliance that allows users to grow sufficient yields of fresh produce with relatively little maintenance. The appliance incorporates multiple features required for hydroponic plant cultivation into a plug-and-play system with a feedback loop to manage optimal growing conditions, comprising a growing area, a processor, a mixing chamber, and, in embodiments, more than one reservoir. In aspects, the grow area is divided between two or more reservoirs allowing users to stratify their crops or plant different crop types simultaneously. The apparatus and associated method provide the overall system with increased versatility, including removing aspects of day-to-day maintenance. The system automatically regulates the environment in response to various sensor readings. This includes automatically regulating the temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide level, pH level, and/or nutrient concentration. Accordingly, the plants have more optimum conditions for growth. The system utilizes, for example, pre-seeded trays, a single mixing chamber, a processor, and a plurality of reservoirs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and relies on thedisclosures of and claims priority to and the benefit of the filingdates of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/100,795, filed Aug. 10,2018, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/555,777 filed Sep. 8, 2017. The disclosures of thoseapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention is directed in general aspects to the intersectionof hydroponic plant cultivation, urban farming, indoor gardening, andconsumer electronics. In a preferred embodiment, the current inventionprovides for devices, apparatus, and related methods, which allow usersto grow a wide variety of crops in a plug-and-play, dynamic feedbackcontrol hydroponic system utilizing a novel technology platformrequiring relatively little maintenance compared to prior art systems,in aspects, other than introducing pre-seeded growing trays and thenharvesting. The invention, in aspects, enables users that have little oralmost no experience with crop cultivation to grow sufficient or desiredyields of crops in a small area, regardless of the environment. Thisnovel hydroponic system incorporates innovative technology that, inpart, automatically regulates the environment of the compact growingsystem depending on feedback from sensors detecting real-time growingconditions at the crop, pre-seeded tray, in a mixing apparatus, in areservoir, or based on overall system levels.

Description of Related Art

The hydroponic method of cultivating plants involves growing plants in asoilless culture, environment, or medium. In order to achieve sufficientyield without soil, hydroponic cultivation uses a liquid solutioncomprising water and various nutrients. In most cases, this methodallows plants to grow faster, healthier, and more disease- and pest-freethan when growing in soil.

There are six basic categories of hydroponic systems: Wick, Raft (alsocalled Water Culture), Ebb and Flow (also called Flood & Drain), Drip,Nutrient Film Technique, and Aeroponic. These basic system categoriesinclude multiple variations, and almost all hydroponic systems are avariation or combination of these types of systems.

Optimal plant growth depends on, among other things, a proper balance oflight, water, nutrients, carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature, andtime, and the most effective hydroponic cultivation is dependent oncareful regulation of these several factors. The problems with mostprior art consumer-focused hydroponic systems are based on thecomplexities of system components, a requirement for highly technicalmeasurements, onerous maintenance, versatility, complicated design, orsome combination of these elements. (On the other hand, relativelyunsophisticated technology incapable of performing the functionality ofthe current invention is another drawback to currently availablesystems.) Moreover, most commercially available systems require anextensive list of components sourced from multiple retailers. Thisprovides a challenge for consumers, and therefore a bather to entry, dueto the extensive set-up time and lack of clarity surrounding whatcomponents are best suited to an individual's growing needs or desires.The current invention provides a plug-and-play growing apparatus, whichsimplifies the system and process, while still providing for sufficientor enhanced crop yield. Additionally, the current invention providesfor, in preferred embodiments, a single “doser,” sometimes referred toherein as a “multi-doser,” “mixing chamber,” “dosing chamber,” or somevariant thereof, which is capable of dosing a plurality of plants,growing areas, and/or reservoirs with proper amounts of water andnutrients, whereas the prior art teaches dosers that service only asingle growing area, such as a single tray, pod, plant, or reservoir.Consequently, the present invention allows, for example, a user tointroduce a pre-seeded growing pod, tray, table, or shelf, and thesystem will take care of managing the plant growth lifecycle, in partbased on the particular growing conditions present for that plant, whichthe system will continually or periodically maintain at optimal,near-optimal, pre-determined, and/or desired conditions.

More specifically, the measuring of pH, electrical conductivity,temperature, and other variables often require individual devices totake time consuming and complex readings. These readings requirescientific knowledge that makes hydroponics inaccessible to mostconsumers, which is resolved by the present invention. Moreover, mostconsumer hydroponics systems are limited in what they can grow; forexample, they tend to be specialized for one crop type, or too small toaccommodate larger plants. Current hydroponic systems also require usersto select different growth mediums to fit plastic mesh cups and thenplant seeds separately. As described herein, the current inventionresolves such complications, especially for entry-level consumers,providing for a more user-friendly system allowing for more widespreaduse of hydroponics among both novice and experienced growers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the current invention, a computerized core controlsystem comprising a processor is provided that automatically takes,monitors, and/or processes necessary readings and, based on thosereadings and relevant feedback, makes the necessary adjustments toensure optimum, near optimum, and/or desired growing conditions withoutdirect intervention required by the user. While the prior art requiresmaintenance of hydroponic systems depending on the technicalmeasurements and therefore typically requires extensive day-to-day workfor users, this invention removes or nearly removes the necessity forday-to-day maintenance by automatically adjusting growing conditions inreal- or near real-time.

In a preferred embodiment, the system also comprises a multi-dosingdevice allowing for the maintenance of multiple nutrient reservoirs,using a single set of sensors and nutrient injectors associated with themulti-doser. The multi-doser, as taught herein, automates nutrientdosing and pH adjustment for multiple growing zones, including theability to nourish different types of plants and/or at different stagesof the plant life cycle, with, in one embodiment, a single multi-doserdevice for the overall system. Whereas in most automated dosing systemsthe sensors and dosers are located directly in the reservoirs that holdwater, the current invention provides for, in a preferred embodiment, asingle sensing and dosing chamber for the overall hydroponic system. Forexample, when a pH and nutrient content of a reservoir must be checked,the system pumps water or other liquid from that reservoir, or from aseparate water or other liquid tank, into a common mixing chamber andback to its reservoir, where it is then pumped back to the plant. As itcirculates, it immerses the sensors in the dosing or mixing chamber.Based on data recorded by the sensors, the device doses nutrient and pHsolution directly into the mixing chamber. The circulation mixes thesolution and the sensors monitor the water and instruct the pumps whenthe desired nutrient concentration or pH has been achieved. This processis repeated until the pH and nutrient concentration is in line with apre-programmed growth recipe for a given reservoir. The system thencirculates the solution from the next reservoir in the same fashion,sensing, mixing, and repeating until the values reach the growth recipefor that independent reservoir. The system cycles through and correctsor optimizes the reservoirs on a periodic basis; this process can berepeated as frequently as a user desires, or as determined by theprocessor, to maintain optimum, or near optimum, conditions within thenutrient solution for any given crop.

In another preferred embodiment, the multi-doser provides for a systemallowing a feedback loop, whereby information about optimal growingconditions for the crop, coupled with information about the actual,real- or near real-time measurements of the crop's growing conditions,is used to instruct the multi-doser device, using sensors in themulti-doser, to mix a desired nutrient concentration and/or pH for thereservoir for that crop. The optimal growth recipe is then used to dosethat particular crop. Information about that crop's growing conditionsare periodically measured and the feedback loop of measuring growingconditions, mixing an optimal growth medium for the plant based on thegrowing conditions, and supplying the plant with the growth medium,continues until harvest. In certain embodiments, measured growingconditions data is sent to a core control system computing processorthat compares the current growing conditions against optimal or desiredgrowing conditions, and instructs the mixing chamber to mix a solutionto send to the plant that will attempt to bring the growing conditionsmore closely in line with optimal or desired growing conditionsaccording to the core control system.

This dynamic feedback control system allows for a single mixing/dosingchamber to supply more than one reservoir, which in turn means theoverall system can more efficiently service more than one growing area,plant, plant type, pod, tray, table, or other apparatus containingplants. Therefore, a more compact, space-efficient, or resourcefulsystem can be enabled, such as a cabinet containing growing trays ortables stacked vertically and/or horizontally, as shown in, for example,FIG. 9.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises an adjustable grow areathat allows for smaller crops to be densely packed or, alternatively,for larger plants to be spaced out. As a result, the system allows for amore complete and versatile growing system enabling users to grow awider variety of plant types without the need for changing theunderlying growing apparatus. The system is designed to offer users acomprehensive, indoor growing appliance that has versatile growingcapabilities and requires less maintenance than other consumer-levelhydroponic systems.

This invention is also designed to simplify the growing processutilizing a more simple and functional home or home appliance. Forexample, the system comprises customized growing sheets or trays (or insome cases, pods) that are tailored to fit into the system, and thesetrays contain, in aspects, seeds and an inert growth medium. The trayssimplify the growing process for users, allowing them to introduce traysof selected plant types or varying plant types and wait for harvest,while the system automatically compensates for differing growing needsof different trays so that plants with different nutrient requirementsand other optimal growing conditions can grow in the same system, at thesame time. In embodiments, the trays may be recognized by the systembased on quick response codes (or QR codes), bar codes, or any othermechanism for recognizing an apparatus based on a predetermined code,pattern, or other passive or active communication method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain aspects of embodiments ofthe present invention and should not be used to limit the invention.Together with the written description the drawings serve to explaincertain principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus and system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one possible embodiment of theapparatus and system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus and system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus and system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of one possible embodiment of the system,including possible electrical aspects.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one possible embodiment of theapparatus and system.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus and system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a depiction of one possible embodiment of theapparatus and system as it relates to computer software application(s)and remote electronic device(s) associated with the apparatus andsystem.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus/device described herein.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus described herein; namely, the multi-doser as part ofthe system.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus described herein; namely, the multi-doser as part ofthe system.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus described herein; namely, the multi-doser as part ofthe system.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus described herein; namely, a drain piece that is capableof setting water or other liquid levels/height within the tray, with amesh filter on top in the aspect shown.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus described herein; namely, a view depicting a possibleembodiment of how the basin, tray, and drain tubes are placed relativeto each other.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the apparatus described herein; namely, an embodiment of the basincombined with a component that holds the drain tube from the basinabove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments ofthe invention. It is to be understood that the following discussion ofexemplary embodiments is not intended as a limitation on the invention.Rather, the following discussion is provided to give the reader a moredetailed understanding of certain aspects and features of the invention.

The present invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments having various features. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the practice of the present invention without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognizethat these features may be used singularly or in any combination basedon the requirements and specifications of a given application or design.Embodiments comprising various features may also consist of or consistessentially of those various features. Other embodiments of theinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the invention. Thedescription of the invention provided is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the inventionare intended to be within the scope of the invention. All referencescited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

Embodiments of the invention also include a computer readable mediumcomprising one or more computer files comprising a set ofcomputer-executable instructions for performing one or more of thecalculations, steps, processes and operations described and/or depictedherein. In exemplary embodiments, the files may be stored contiguouslyor non-contiguously on the computer-readable medium. Embodiments mayinclude a computer program product comprising the computer files, eitherin the form of the computer-readable medium comprising the computerfiles and, optionally, made available to a consumer through packaging,or alternatively made available to a consumer through electronicdistribution. As used in the context of this specification, a“computer-readable medium” is a non-transitory computer-readable mediumand includes any kind of computer memory such as floppy disks,conventional hard disks, CD-ROM, Flash ROM, non-volatile ROM,electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and RAM.In exemplary embodiments, the computer readable medium has a set ofinstructions stored thereon which, when executed by a processor, causethe processor to perform tasks, based on data stored in the electronicdatabase or memory described herein. The processor may implement thisprocess through any of the procedures discussed in this disclosure orthrough any equivalent procedure.

In other embodiments of the invention, files comprising the set ofcomputer-executable instructions may be stored in computer-readablememory on a single computer or distributed across multiple computers. Askilled artisan will further appreciate, in light of this disclosure,how the invention can be implemented, in addition to software, usinghardware or firmware. As such, as used herein, the operations of theinvention can be implemented in a system comprising a combination ofsoftware, hardware, or firmware.

Embodiments of this disclosure include one or more computers or devicesloaded with a set of the computer-executable instructions describedherein. The computers or devices may be a general purpose computer, aspecial-purpose computer, or other programmable data processingapparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the one or morecomputers or devices are instructed and configured to carry out thecalculations, processes, steps, operations, algorithms, statisticalmethods, formulas, or computational routines of this disclosure. Thecomputer or device performing the specified calculations, processes,steps, operations, algorithms, statistical methods, formulas, orcomputational routines of this disclosure may comprise at least oneprocessing element such as a central processing unit (i.e. processor)and a form of computer-readable memory which may include random-accessmemory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). The computer-executableinstructions can be embedded in computer hardware or stored in thecomputer-readable memory such that the computer or device may bedirected to perform one or more of the calculations, steps, processesand operations depicted and/or described herein.

Additional embodiments of this disclosure comprise a computer system forcarrying out the computer-implemented method of this disclosure. Thecomputer system may comprise a processor for executing thecomputer-executable instructions, one or more electronic databasescontaining the data or information described herein, an input/outputinterface or user interface, and a set of instructions (e.g. software)for carrying out the method. The computer system can include astand-alone computer, such as a desktop computer, a portable computer,such as a tablet, laptop, PDA, or smartphone, or a set of computersconnected through a network including a client-server configuration andone or more database servers. The network may use any suitable networkprotocol, including IP, UDP, or ICMP, and may be any suitable wired orwireless network including any local area network, wide area network,Internet network, telecommunications network, Wi-Fi enabled network, orBluetooth enabled network. In one embodiment, the computer systemcomprises a central computer connected to the internet that has thecomputer-executable instructions stored in memory that is operablyconnected to an internal electronic database. The central computer mayperform the computer-implemented method based on input and commandsreceived from remote computers through the internet. The centralcomputer may effectively serve as a server and the remote computers mayserve as client computers such that the server-client relationship isestablished, and the client computers issue queries or receive outputfrom the server over a network.

The input/output interfaces may include a graphical user interface (GUI)(see, e.g., FIG. 8), which may be used in conjunction with thecomputer-executable code and electronic databases. The graphical userinterface may allow a user to perform these tasks through the use oftext fields, check boxes, pull-downs, command buttons, and the like. Askilled artisan will appreciate how such graphical features may beimplemented for performing the tasks of this disclosure. The userinterface may optionally be accessible through a computer connected tothe internet. In one embodiment, the user interface is accessible bytyping in an internet address through an industry standard web browserand logging into a web page. The user interface may then be operatedthrough a remote computer (client computer) accessing the web page andtransmitting queries or receiving output from a server through a networkconnection.

The invention described herein is an automated hydroponic growingapparatus to simplify the process of hydroponic farming, especially forconsumers. For example, in FIG. 1, a processor receives informationregarding the crop variety in Growing Zone One 1020. Fresh water,nutrients, and other additives best suited to the crop variety in GrowZone One are added to the mixing chamber 1010. The mixing chamber sensesthe solution and sends information to the processor to determine whetherthe solution is optimized for the Crop Variety in Grow Zone One. Thesolution is pumped into Reservoir One 1030. The solution is circulatedfrom Reservoir One to Grow Zone One. Environmental sensor readings aresent to the processor to better inform how to optimize the growingconditions for Grow Zone One. Regarding steps 3 1003, 4 1004, 5 1005,and 6 1006, they may be repeated constantly or periodically so that thecrop variety in Grow Zone One has consistently optimized growingconditions. In aspects, the mixing chamber allows for this process to berepeated for Grow Zones 2, 3, 4, and so on 1025 without the need for anyadditional inputs or sensors, for example, in the mixing chamber.

Regarding FIG. 2, from the center of the figure, in this embodiment, aWater Storage 2031 tank circulates water through filters 2032 into agiven reservoir 2030. Once each reservoir is filled with water, it isthen circulated through the Doser 2010. The Doser is capable of sensingthe water and adding nutrients and other additives to create a solutionoptimized for a specific plant type and its stage of growth. Theadjusted water is circulated between its holding reservoir and itsrespective Plant Tray 2020. A computerized processor is capable ofdetermining which plant type is in each Plant Tray, therefore, itinstructs the Doser what needs to be in the optimized solution for thatPlant Tray. The solution is routinely circulated through the Doser,sensed, and adjusted to ensure that conditions are optimized for a givenplant type. This process is repeated for Plant Trays one through eight,for example, and could be expanded if more Plant Trays were added.

In another possible embodiment, a table-based design (see, e.g., FIG. 3)incorporates a core control system that automatically regulates certainvariables, as explained herein, such as optimal nutrients and/or pH, foroptimum plant growth with minimal user maintenance. The core controlsystem is capable of powering a number of physical apparatus, such asseveral hydroponic growing systems/structures. The structure of thetable 3060, in embodiments, utilizes an extruded aluminum frame that canbe disassembled, although the frame can be made of any materialsufficient to support the weight of the apparatus, including, but notlimited to, plastic, wood, metal, or any other material. In aspects, thelegs of the apparatus slot into a bracket in each of the four corners ofthe table 3010. The frame 3020 may slot into the bracket in the depictedgrow area 3030. The preferably light frame has height or width that isvariably adjustable, especially in terms of the height of the growsurface or the associated lights (see, e.g., 3040). This feature allowsfor the height or width of the grow area to be expanded to make room forlarger plants or more plants, or made shorter or less wide for smalleror less plants. In aspects, the height and width are automaticallyadjusted by the system and apparatus when it recognizes a certainplant(s) being grown, such as based on input from a plug-in pod orpre-seeded tray as described herein, from the user, or from a camera andrelated software that are able to distinguish certain plants. Theability to manually raise, or have automatically raised, the height ofthe lights without having to make changes to the structure of theapparatus, enhances the versatility of the system withoutinconveniencing or requiring adjustment by the user. The frame, inaspects, allows for trellising and other additional support structuresto enable the growth of wide, tall, or vine plants. The light frameholds, in one embodiment, two 300 W LED grow lights 3050. However, thesystem may use anywhere from 1 to 16 lights with intensity ranging from50 to 1000 watts. In a preferred embodiment, the lights arefull-spectrum to ensure the correct wavelengths for photosynthesis,thereby allowing for faster, more efficient, and/or more optimal plantgrowth. LED grow lights use a fraction of the energy required togenerate a similar light-intensity using other artificial grow-lightingmethods. In aspects, the lights are controlled by a timer within thecore control system (see, e.g., FIG. 4); they may also be connected to aphoto resistor that dims the light intensity when people are nearby orwhen there is adequate natural light. The lighting may also becontrolled by the system, such as by a processor. For example, if acertain plant type is recognized by the system, such as due to userinput or information received from a plug-in pod, a pre-seeded tray, aQR code, a bar code, camera vision, and/or machine learning, the systemwill automatically provide that plant type with optimal lightingconditions and/or optimal water content and nutrients. The system allowsfor some plants to receive a certain set of lighting conditions andother plants to receive other lighting conditions, based on what areoptimal lighting conditions for those plants. The lighting may also bemanually adjusted by a user physically, electronically, or via remotewireless input.

Similarly, the core control system 4030, which in cases is a computerprocessing unit, of the apparatus, for example as shown in FIG. 4,automatically regulates factors, including but not limited to, the pH,electrical conductivity, nutrient levels, temperature, humidity, watercirculation, water aeration, carbon dioxide levels, air circulation,and/or light intensity or light wavelength. In aspects, the core controlsystem is incorporated into or located near the structure of the tableor the hydroponic growing apparatus/system taught herein; in otherembodiments, it may be remote server based or in a remote electronicdevice, such as a computer or smartphone. The main circuit board may belocated within or near the grow area. In embodiments, it may bewirelessly connected, thereby allowing users to remotely check, see,analyse, and/or monitor their crops and run experiments on growingconditions, change growing conditions, set growing conditions, learnabout growing conditions, download growing conditions, search forgrowing conditions, and/or monitor growing conditions, such as via aremote electronic device (see, e.g., FIG. 8). In embodiments, the remoteelectronic device may be, for example, a computer processing unit, aserver, a computer, a phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or other devicecapable of wireless communication. In embodiments, an air stone and/orwater pump are housed within or near removable reservoirs (see, e.g.,3070). This feature enables water to be circulated into pre-seeded growtrays, plug-in pods, or other grow areas on automatic, regular,semi-regular, scheduled, periodic, manually-determined, and/or randomcycles, which vary depending on plant type and/or stage of growth. Thereservoirs may be easily accessible and removable allowing users to addwater with minimal effort, and they may be connected via a piping system3080 that allows for circulation to the pre-seeded grow trays, plug-inpods, or other grow areas, and for a sample solution to be read,monitored, and/or adjusted with the core control system or via userinput.

Each reservoir, in embodiments, is connected to a water-conditioningtank, or multi-doser, which contains, in certain embodiments, one ormore pH sensor, one or more peristaltic pump pH adjuster, and/or one ormore nutrient adjuster (see, e.g., FIGS. 6-7). In aspects, theconditioning tank comprises twelve solenoid valves to dispense adjustedsolution to the pre-seeded grow trays. In embodiments, the system ordevice will allow for eight peristaltic pump pH adjusters and/or twelvesolenoid valves, although the system may comprise one, two, three, four,five, six, and so on, peristaltic pump pH adjusters and/or solenoidvalves. The multi-doser provides for a single measuring and adjustingunit that increases the efficiency of the system while removing the needfor multiple units to do the same function for each reservoir. Forexample, the conditioning tank may automatically be providedinstructions or commands from, for example, the core control system or aremote electronic device or server, to create an optimal water and/ornutrient condition for certain plants or plant life cycle based on theoptimal, desired, or programmed growing conditions for those plants. Forexample, if the system recognizes a certain plant based on the type ofpod or tray it is contained in, the system can automatically create anoptimal concentration of, for example, water, nutrients, and pH tomaximize growth and viability of that plant. Other conditions may becreated for other types of plants in the same system if the system knowswhat those plants are. The system may recognize the plants based on userinput, camera recognition, machine learning or, for example, identifyinginformation from a plug-in pod or on a tray, such as a barcode, QR code,unique shape(s) and/or color(s), microchip, RFID, signal, or any othermeans known in the art for identification of an item. Consequently, thesame apparatus can contain different types of plants, all of which areoptimally treated, and which may be monitored and adjusted by the corecontrol system and/or a user in real- or near real-time, if desired.According to a preferred embodiment, for example, multiple plants ortrays served by multiple reservoirs can all be regulated by a singlemixing chamber (i.e., multi-doser), which is connected to or in physicalcontact with each reservoir at all times or part of the time.

In embodiments, the system may be designed to operate using pre-seededtrays. The trays may comprise a tray of an inert growth medium (e.g.,rockwool and peat/foam mixtures), seeds or plants, and/or a QR code (orother identifying means). The pre-seeded growth media may reduce thetime and hassle of planting crops. Pairing these pre-seeded consumableswith a QR code, for example, further simplifies the process to make itplug-and-play, in embodiments. The QR code can be scanned by a user (orautomatically) into the system and the technology, such as a processor,can identify what type of plant(s) is being inserted and/or the stage ofplant(s) lifecycle. The system may then allow the core control system toalert the user where to place the pre-seeded insert and assign a uniquegrowth recipe to it, for example. This allows the system to determine pHand nutrient levels along with temperature, humidity, CO2, lighting,water cycle(s), and other factors to recreate optimal conditions for theplant(s) to grow. In embodiments, the QR codes or other recognitiontechnology are essentially serial numbers for each individual consumabletray, so that sensor data with each individual crop(s) type grown withinthe system can be recorded, managed, monitored, and/or maintained. Thisinnovation works in harmony with the multi-doser, allowing the system torun efficiently by harnessing the data collected to create a preferableuser experience.

Such QR codes or other recognition techniques on the pre-seededconsumables allow the hydroponic system(s) to track the crops throughoutthe system(s). This allows growers to associate data on crop growth withindividual plant(s) in the system allowing them to harness that data toimprove efficiency, boost yields, and package the data with their cropsto increase transparency throughout the supply chain. This adds value tothe resultant produce as many groups come into contact with producebefore it reaches the consumer's plate; each can scan the QR codes, forexample, which allows for location tracking and sensor data to bepackaged with produce from seed to sale.

The multi-doser, as shown in FIG. 10 for example, automates nutrientdosing and pH adjustment for multiple reservoirs, growing zones, trays,or pods. This embodiment serves to reduce the cost of hydroponic growingsince the system is capable of using one set of sensors for multiplecrop varieties, trays, stages of growth, pods, etc. In embodiments, themulti-doser 10010 is capable of dosing crops on several different trays10020, pods, or shelves in a cabinet-style (e.g., vertical) hydroponicgrowing system 10000. Accordingly, for example, shelves 10020 on avertical system can have their own nutrient solution and pH on ashelf-by-shelf or area-by-area basis, which means a user can grow and/ormanage different plants or different stages of growth on each shelf orarea. This alleviates the need to buy separate dosers for each shelf,which is what is offered by the prior art. In other words, in preferredembodiments, a single multi-doser can regulate a plurality of reservoirs10030 that sends water and nutrients to a plurality of plants, growingareas, and/or trays.

In FIG. 10, whereas in most automated dosing systems the sensors anddosers are located in the reservoir(s) 10030 that hold water, thecurrent invention, in a preferred embodiment, provides for a singlesensing and dosing chamber 10010 for one or more hydroponic growingapparatus (e.g., 10000). (In aspects, water may be located in thereservoir(s) 10030 and/or another water tank 10040.) For example, anoverall hydroponic growing system may have several different tables ortrays 10020 and a reservoir 10030 for each table or tray 10020. Sensorsin or around the crops send information about the current growingconditions to the core control system (not pictured). Based onpredetermined optimal, desired, programmed, and/or downloaded growingconditions, such as a growing recipe, the core control system candetermine whether the growing conditions are non-optimal or not incomport with the predetermined optimal, desired, programmed, and/ordownloaded growing conditions, and instruct the multi-doser to dose thecrops with water and/or nutrients to bring the crop's growing conditionsto an improved or optimal level. The multi-doser comprises a mixingchamber having sensors which mixes water, pH, nutrients and othergrowing factors based on instructions from the core control system or auser, or is capable of mixing through the process of circulation ofliquid through the system, such as between a multi-doser and one or morereservoirs. The mixture will then be sent to the reservoir for the trayand pumped back to the tray or, in some aspects, it may be pumpeddirectly to the tray from the multi-doser. This creates a dynamicfeedback control loop whereby information from the crop is sent to thecore control system, the core control system determines if changes needto be made to the crop's growing conditions, the core control systeminstructs the multi-doser what the plant needs and/or what mixture tocreate, the multi-doser mixes the water, nutrients, and other factors,which it sends to a reservoir for pumping the mixture back to the crop(or directly to the crop). Continually, periodically, or after the cropmeets its optimal or desired growing conditions, the same multi-dosercan be used for other reservoirs connected to other trays (or forpumping mixture(s) directly to other crops or trays). In embodiments, avalve may shut to a first reservoir and valve to a second reservoir mayopen and connect the same multi-doser that was previously serving thefirst reservoir. Accordingly, a system with several trays and/orreservoirs can be serviced by one apparatus, the multi-doser, for dosingplants with proper water, nutrients, and other factors.

In embodiments, a machine learning feedback loop may be utilized. Inembodiments, data is collected and actuated upon multiple data pointssuch as nutrient content, pH, humidity, temperature, and CO2 content.Suggested input values for these variables for each plant type may befound online or determined by a user, for example. A feedback loop maybe achieved by incorporating camera vision and machine learning todetermine outputs such as plant health, plant growth rate, etc. Whensuch variables are measured, those outputs like plant health can be usedto improve the way the system grows plants. On individual or a pluralityof systems, the invention can adjust variable(s) to optimize plantgrowth, thus improving plant growth and other variable(s), such as speedof growth, taste, nutrition, etc. This may be used in conjunction withthe multi-doser, because it allows for one or more separate growingzone, which can each be an individual trial in large scale tests.

In embodiments, the system could physically move the multi-doser todifferent reservoirs, or reservoirs could be moved to the multi-doser. Ahybrid approach is also possible wherein each reservoir has sensors, butthey share a similar multi-doser, or vice versa. The reservoirs couldalso be connected to the multi-doser by tubing, pipes, or similarmechanisms of connecting the multi-doser and reservoirs.

In another embodiment, when the pH and nutrient content of a reservoirmust be checked, the current invention activates pumping water from thatreservoir into the common mixing chamber (multi-doser) and back to itsreservoir. (In another embodiment, water can come from a separate watertank.) As it circulates, it immerses the sensors in the multi-doser.Based on the data recorded by the sensors in the multi-doser, the systemdoses nutrients and pH solution directly into the mixing chamber. Thecirculation mixes the solution and the sensors monitor the water (orother liquid) and instruct the pumps when the desired nutrientconcentration or pH has been achieved. This process is repeated untilthe pH and nutrient concentration comports with a pre-programmed growthrecipe for a given reservoir or plant or tray, for example. The systemthen circulates the solution from the next reservoir in the samefashion, sensing, mixing, and repeating until the values reach the goalsfor that independent reservoir, which dose other plants in thehydroponic apparatus. The system cycles through and corrects thereservoirs on a periodic basis; this process can be repeated asfrequently as a user of the system desires to maintain optimalconditions within the nutrient solution for any given crop, tray, pod,apparatus, or system. It may also be determined by the core controlsystem.

In embodiments, the conditioning tank is connected to the pH solutionand nutrient solution via quick connect cartridges that can be replacedby the user. The system then monitors, adjusts, alerts, and otherwisetakes care of technical measurements and necessary adjustments with orwithout user intervention. The system has the ability to be connected toa water line, thus removing the need for users to fill the reservoirs atregular or periodic intervals. For example, in FIG. 11, the reservoirs11030 are filled with water and, in a preferred embodiment, thereservoirs do not need to be refilled during a plant life cycle. In FIG.12, the reservoirs 12030 are filled with water and/or water may comefrom a separate tank or water source and, in a preferred embodiment,waste from the system flows to a drain, further simplifying using theoverall system.

A main circuit board may be connected to another smaller environmentalsensing board that may be embedded in the frame 3090. (In certainaspects, the system may provide for a separate board that handles AC orDC power switching or environment controlling.) The sensors may includeany one or more of: Lux/Par, carbon dioxide, temperature, and/orhumidity (see, e.g., FIG. 4). The readings from these sensors may beused manually or automatically to control an air-circulating fan, ahumidifier, and/or LED grow lights that, in aspects, are embedded withinthe light frame or elsewhere on or near the apparatus. This enables theinternal environment of the system to be manually or automaticallyregulated to provide the optimum conditions for plant growth.

The grow area may be divided into two or more separate grow trays 3031,tables, pods, or shelves (e.g., vertical shelves in, for example, acabinet design), each connected to a reservoir, although they may eachbe coupled directly to the multi-doser, in some aspects. In otherembodiments, the grow trays, tables, or shelves may comprise a vacuumformed polyethylene tray with a network of ridges to support the plantplug-in pods or plants and ensure equal, near-equal, or differentdistribution of solution within each grow tray, table, or shelf. Thegrow area may be divided into two or more sections to give the systemgreater flexibility and growing capabilities; this allows users tostratify the planting of crops. The stratification of crops allows usersto have a constant, near-constant, automated, manual, scheduled,periodic, regular, or irregular supply of fresh produce by allowing onesection to, for example, be in the early stages of growth while anothersection is ready for harvest. The divided grow area(s) can also allowusers to grow crops that require a different balance of nutrientssimultaneously. This provides the system with versatility not known inthe prior art allowing users to grow almost any non-root fruit,vegetable, leafy green, or herb, by way of example. In some embodiments,plant holes 3032 can be opened or closed to make way for larger orsmaller plants while ensuring the system remains airtight ornear-airtight, if desired. This also allows users to gradually harvestsome plants and close the plant holes gradually, making more room forplants to grow into.

Inputs for hydroponic plant growth, in addition to oxygen, carbondioxide, biologic additives (e.g., bacterial fungicide), pH solution,and light, among other things, are mainly water and nutrients.Nutrients, in general, refers to elements such as calcium, magnesium,sodium, potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, iron,manganese, copper, zinc, boron, and/or molybdenum that are available ina form that enables plant growth. These elements can be formulated intoconcentrated solutions that can be added to water in concentrations thatcan be easily absorbed by the plant roots. In the current invention, thenutrients are dispensed into, for example, a conditioning reservoir(e.g., multi-doser) based on electrical conductivity readings and thestage of plant growth. The nutrient solution may be supplied inquick-connect cartridges that may be retailed separately from thesystem.

According to the present invention, plants may be introduced into thesystem by pre-seeded trays tailored to work with the system. The planttrays may, in part, comprise a plastic mesh casing that contains aninert growth medium and seed(s), seedling(,) or young plant(s). Thetrays may be supplied to the users separately and come in a variety ofoptions, including varying plant types. In a preferred embodiment, thetrays/plants remain in place from germination to harvest.

The pre-seeded trays, in embodiments, or in other embodiments plug-inpods, may be placed or introduced into the apparatus at varying placesin the system, such as on different vertically placed shelves, anddifferent plants can be placed in different places but in the sameapparatus. When the trays are identified by their plant or growthmatrix, the system will then automatically adjust for optimal growingconditions for that type of plant as explained herein; consequently,parameters such as lighting and water/nutrient content may beautomatically changed in order to increase the chances of optimal growthfor a particular type of plant based on known conditions that are likelyto improve the growth of that type of plant. The system has thecapability of varying the light and/or water/nutrient content on aplant-by-plant or tray-by tray basis, for example, based on optimalgrowing conditions for that type of plant.

According to the current invention, the growing process is simplifiedfrom a user's perspective, enabling controlled plant cultivation to beaccessible to users with little to no previous growing experience. Whenusers purchase one of the systems, the system may arrive in aneasy-to-assemble kit. Once assembled, in certain embodiments, users addin the necessary nutrient and pH quick connect cartridges that may lastfor multiple crop cycles. In certain embodiments, users can then insertplant pods, trays, tables, or shelves of their chosen variety. Inaspects, once inserted into the system, the trays, for example, may beleft until the seed has germinated and the first leaves appear. Userscan then remove the plastic cap or covering or sheet to the pods ortrays and leave the seedling to grow until harvest, or the pod or tray,for example, may be designed so that the user does not have to adjustthe plug-in pod or pre-seeded tray once it is introduced into thesystem. In another embodiment, a user moves plant trays or pods from adedicated germination area to a tray or other area where it will stayuntil harvest. Users can select the plant type using an Internetconnected device such as mobile phone, tablet, or personal computer, orby catalogue or any other known method of ordering products. In apreferred embodiment, once the plant type is selected, the core controlsystem will automatically regulate the conditions for plant growth fromgermination to harvest. Users are able to adjust the settings to conductgrowing experiments, or otherwise affect growing conditions, if desired.The core control system may collect data throughout the growing cycle tooptimize growing conditions for that apparatus or share with otherapparatus via wireless connection, the internet, or the cloud, forexample.

Turning now to a few additional figures, FIG. 4 shows one possibleembodiment of the system. In this particular embodiment, starting fromthe bottom of the schematic and moving upwards, the apparatus 4000comprises reservoirs 4010, in most cases containing mostly water, alongwith water pumps 4015 to pump the water or liquid to the plant growingtrays 4020. In a preferred embodiment, a processor(s) in the corecontrol system 4030 is receiving information from the plant trays, suchas information about the condition of the growth medium or the plant(s).It may also receive information about plant type, condition, and stateof growth from one or more plug-in pod(s), from a pre-seeded tray, froma sensor(s), from a camera(s), and/or from a user. The system creates afeedback loop wherein information received by the core control systemsends commands to, for example, the water pump and the pH and/ornutrient dispensers 4070. Based on the information received from theplant trays, plug-in plant pod, other sensor(s), or a user, an optimalamount of water and nutrients are supplied to the plant and/or thegrowth medium. Similarly, light, temperature 4050, humidity 4055, andother conditions related to the plants may be monitored, controlled, andadjusted by the core control system, such as by using sensors 4060. Inembodiments, the apparatus and underlying system will comprise, inaspects, LED lights 4040 for growing, although other types of lights maybe used. Similarly, in FIG. 6, a system feedback loop is shown whereinprobes or sensors receive information relating to the plant's conditionas well as the condition in which it is growing and, based on thatfeedback, optimal water, nutrients, pH, and/or light are supplied or notsupplied to the plant or its growth medium.

In FIG. 5, underlying electrical information of a particular embodimentof the invention is shown. In this example, power input 5010 is suppliedto a power supply board that sends power to various components, forexample the liquid pumps and LED lights 5020. Power is also sent to, forexample, the sensors, a sensor isolation board 5030, and/or pumps, suchas on a water dosing board 5040.

In FIG. 7, the schematic exemplifies one possible embodiment of afeedback loop 7010 wherein information from the crops, includingdirectly from the crops and/or from environment sensors 7020, pH sensors7030, and/or nutrient sensors 7040, by or through a processor or userinput (for example), determines what is pumped 7050 back to the crops,including water, nutrients, and/or pH components, and also how the cropsare treated in terms of light, temperature, and/or humidity. Asindicated 7060, the information can be communicated wirelessly to aremote core control system, a computer, a phone, a tablet, the internet,and/or the cloud, for example.

FIG. 8 is a possible embodiment of a GUI and associated computersoftware application on a remote electronic device, such as asmartphone, wherein the system allows a guided growing experience 8010,remote crop monitoring 8020, including air/light/water/nutrient levels,live plant growth analytics 8030, recipe suggestions using, in whole orin part, the crops being grown 8040, and the capability of restockingplants or ordering new plants 8050, such as by ordering plug-in plantpods, individual plants, and/or pre-seeded plant trays.

FIG. 9 shows a possible embodiment wherein the growing areas, includingpre-seeded trays, may be stacked vertically and encased as shelves in acabinet, for example in a transparent, opaque, or semi-transparentcabinet.

FIG. 13 shows a possible embodiment of the drain piece capable ofsetting water levels within a growing tray, including an optional meshfilter 1301 on top, in this particular aspect, to collect dirt, leaves,and other debris. The hollow threaded portion 1302 shows a possible wayto connect the drain to or within a growing tray (such as within theopen cavity of the growing tray), or to a pipe or tube, for drainingpurposes to, in aspects, a basin. In the portion 1303, the drain is ableto control water level or nutrient solution level in the growing tray,because when the water level or nutrient solution level rises above thetop of portion 1303 (noted as 1304 (where water or liquid enters thedrain to keep levels steady)) it will drain down through 1303 and outthe hollow threaded portion 1302 to, for example, a basin. This wouldoccur, for example, when the pumps are turned on and water or otherliquid is flowing into the growing tray, such as when the system isirrigating. When the pumps are not turned on, water or other liquid, inaspects, will gradually drain out through 1302 as water or other liquidenters the hole/opening 1305. This would occur, for example, when thepumps are not turned on, such as between irrigation cycles. By movingthe opening at 1304 upwards or downwards vertically in portion 1303, forexample, a user or the system can control the level or height of liquidsolution or water in the growing tray.

FIG. 14 shows a possible embodiment of how the basin 1401, tray 1402,upper drain tube 1403, and lower drain tube 1404, are positionedrelative to one another. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the drain tubes maybe vertically stacked so that a drain tube 1403 coming from an uppergrowing tray flows to a growing tray 1402 underneath. In aspects, theupper drain tube 1403 sends water or nutrient solution from the growingtray above to a lower growing tray 1402, thereby supplying water ornutrient solution to the lower growing tray 1402. As the water ornutrient level rises in the growing tray, the drain aspect depicted inFIG. 13 may, in aspects, control the water or nutrient level in thegrowing tray 1402. For example, as the water or nutrient level rises, itwill meet the upper portion of the drain 1304, causing the overflowwater or nutrient solution to drain into the basin 1401. As also shownin FIG. 14, the basin 1401 catches the overflow water or nutrientsolution, sends it through a lower drain tube 1404 to, in aspects, alower growing tray, and the process starts over. FIG. 15 shows apossible embodiment of how the basin 1501 may be combined with acomponent 1505 that holds the drain tube from the basin above.

In this way, using the drain, basin, and draining tube, a drain in thegrowing tray comprises one or more upper openings and one or more loweropenings, including holes, slits, or combinations thereof, wherein theone or more upper openings are capable of setting a water or otherliquid height or level in the one or more trays, and wherein the one ormore lower openings are capable of draining the water or other liquid,including between irrigation cycles.

In another possible embodiment, the system comprises a reservoir thathas one or more features or performs one or more steps that extend itsfunction beyond just storage of nutrient solution for the system. Inaspects, for example, the reservoir may have a connected, attached, ormolded section that stores nutrient concentrate as a liquid or in othercontainers such as bottles. In cases where the concentrate leaks,overflows, or splashes, it is contained or directed into the main cavityof the reservoir, instead of travelling outside of the system or tosections housing electronics or other sensitive components. The nutrientconcentrate could also be located in the main cavity or mounted abovethe reservoir. The reservoir may also have a connected, attached, ormolded section such as an upper shelf so that components such as valves,pumps, circuit boards, wires, sensors, or other sensitive components canbe mounted or otherwise located away from or above any liquids in thereservoir. In this embodiment, this upper shelf of the reservoir wouldallow for any leaks from components located on the upper shelf to becontained or directed away from the shelf into another cavity of thereservoir. In another embodiment, the reservoir may have one or more ofa lower shelf, where components such as sensors could be mounted orotherwise located in order to collect information such as the waterlevel of the nutrient solution or whether the nutrient solution hasreached an area or section of the reservoir.

In another embodiment, the reservoir is located on a cart, drawer,dolly, or other mechanism that allows for the reservoir to be mobile. Inthis embodiment, the reservoir may be totally or partially removed fromthe rest of the system so that, for example, it can be cleaned, drained,or inspected more easily. Additionally in this embodiment, tubing,wiring or cabling may be routed through a cable carrier or drag chain.In a possible embodiment, the reservoir has one or more features thatare molded or attached which serve functions such as filtering water ornutrient solution or holding filter(s), sensor(s), pump(s), valve(s),cable(s), tube(s), or electronic component(s). A particular embodimentalso has one or more features attached or molded to facilitateirrigation, structural integrity, or drainage.

In a further embodiment, the grow trays have features molded orattached, such as grooves or tabs, that allow them to slide into, grip,attach, or clip into the frame or structure of the system. They can besized small enough to be easily removed or washed in a sink ordishwasher. In a particular embodiment, the grow trays have one or morefeatures molded or attached which serve functions such as facilitatingdrainage, structural integrity, irrigation, filtering water or nutrientsolution, or holding filter(s), lid(s), plant(s), plumbing component(s),sensor(s), cable(s), tube(s), or electronic component(s). One example isa drainage or overflow spout that ensures that if the drain is cloggedor the tray otherwise overflows, that it is directed through the spoutto be diverted to the appropriate location. Such a spout could also beused intentionally such as to tip the tray ahead of tray removal toreduce dripping when the tray is removed. The grow trays can alsoinclude features such as mounting points or physical or visual locatingpoints for cameras or robotic components or machines to gatherinformation and facilitate automation of activities such as harvestingor cleaning. In an additional embodiment, the grow trays may haveattached or molded features to facilitate removal with reduced splashingor dripping, either in an automated way or through user interaction.Examples of such a feature include a valve to shut off or divertirrigation to the tray, a tab or plug that can stop drainage anddripping from the tray that is moved into place either by the user orautomatically by being mechanically pressed or pulled into place by theact of removing the tray, or by electronic actuation such as by a valve,solenoid, or piston. In one embodiment, the grow trays have a drainagefeature that allows for selection of the water high in the grow trayboth during and between irrigation cycles. This feature relies on alarge opening(s) to set the water height during irrigation, by allowingwater to flow through the opening(s) once the water level reaches thedesired height, which matches entirely or closely the flow rate ofsolution into the grow tray, holding the water height at the desiredlevel. It further relies on a smaller opening(s) placed lower down thanthe larger hole to drain the tray slowly when the tray is not beingirrigated. One possible example of this feature is a hollow cylinderwhose height determines the water level during irrigation and which hassmall holes near the base to drain the water between irrigation cycles.Another example is a flat or bent “dam” that completely separates thedrainage hole(s) with the rest of the tray where plants are located andwater is entering the tray during irrigation. The height of the dam setsthe water level during irrigation, and the dam may have one or moreslits and/or holes to drain the water between irrigation cycles. Eitherexample, and any other embodiment of the drainage feature, may becombined with a filter. Such a filter could envelop the whole drainagefeature, or as another example, could be located at the overflow of thefeature, such as a mesh extension of the cylinder drainage feature. Insuch a case, the height of the solid portion of the cylinder would setthe water height during irrigation, and once the water reaches thatheight, it begins to pass through the filter to reach the drainage holeand flow out of the tray. In a further embodiment, this drainage featureis removable or replaceable to easily change the water height, clean afilter, or quickly drain the tray. In one possible embodiment, growtrays can have sensors attached or mounted such as pH, EC to measurethose values in the solution in the tray, or mass scales to gatherinformation on water volume or plant mass or water sensors, leaksensors, or moisture sensors to detect the presence of water. In oneembodiment, one or more grow trays are placed or mounted on a carouselfeature that rotates on a central axis so that a user can easily gainaccess to any tray without reaching.

In a further embodiment, the grow tray lids have features molded orattached, such as grooves or tabs, that allow them to slide into, grip,attach, or clip into a grow tray or frame or structure of the system.They can be sized small enough to be easily removed or washed in a sinkor dishwasher. In a particular embodiment, the grow trays have one ormore features molded or attached which serve functions such asfacilitating drainage, structural integrity, irrigation, filtering wateror nutrient solution, or holding filter(s), lid(s), plant(s), netcup(s), plumbing component(s), sensor(s), cable(s), tube(s), orelectronic component(s). The grow tray lids can also include featuressuch as mounting points or physical or visual locating points forcameras or robotic components or machines to gather information andfacilitate automation of activities such as harvesting or cleaning. Inone embodiment, there is an additional component, a blackout plug, thatcovers, plugs, or fills one or more plant holes in the grow tray lid, ofwhich one or more can be used with a lid to stop light from contactingthe nutrient solution in the tray during irrigation, diminishing algaegrowth. In a further embodiment, the lid has a feature such as a locallow point which ensures that condensation and splashing accumulates oris directed into the tray as opposed to leaking outside of the tray. Inone other embodiment, the lid has a vertical depth of >0.5″ and an edgecutout so that when a tray or lid is inserted into the system, astationary or otherwise mounted drainage tube may terminate below thetop surface of the lid, limiting or preventing any gap between thedrainage tube and the top of the lid which could lead to splashing. Inanother embodiment, the grow tray lid has configurable plant spacing.One possible mechanism is to use multiple layers or other surfaces thathave the same or varying hole patterns. The holes may be round, square,or any other shape and depending on the position of each layer relativeto the other(s), a different pattern of holes is visible or availablefor plants. One or more layers may be slid, rotated, or removed tochange the hole pattern. In yet another embodiment, a similar system ofseparate lids or surfaces having the same or varying hole patterns maybe slid, rotated, or otherwise moved relative to each other to grip ordisengage plants or growth media.

In one embodiment, hyperspectral, infrared, or RGB camera(s) present canbe used to gather information on user interactions, such as cleaning,harvesting, planting, or transplanting. In this embodiment, the camerascould also be used to gather information relating to the presence ofinsects, disease, fungus, contamination, or plant health, growth rate,canopy coverage, NDVI, photosynthetic activity, phytochemicalproduction, flavor, yield, biomass, or stress. Such cameras could gatheror exclude data in multiple light spectra or wavelengths by usingmultiple image sensors, or a manual, mechanical, or automated filterwheel or filter switch, where different filters can be used to isolateone or more specific spectrum bands for comparison or analysis. Inanother embodiment, a method of capturing image data of multiple lightspectrum bands, such as infrared and red, and calculating trends ordifferences in the ratio of light in those bands over time, alone or incombination with other sensor information, can be used to calculate orestimate the presence of insects, disease, fungus, contamination, orplant health, growth rate, canopy coverage, NDVI, photosyntheticactivity, phytochemical production, flavor, yield, biomass, or stress.In another embodiment, a method of calculating the statisticalsignificance or correlation between current sensor values and/orestimates or calculations of the presence of insects, disease, fungus,contamination, or plant health, growth rate, canopy coverage, NDVI,photosynthetic activity, phytochemical production, flavor, or stresswith future values of any of the same metrics can be used to predict andof those future values using current or past values. Using predictionsof the previous method for, for example, yield, simulations can be runusing many possible scenarios of sensor values or other informationinferred through the use of cameras, to identify which scenario resultsin the highest value for that variable, yield. Relevant values for thatscenario, such as pH, electrical conductivity, and/or temperature canthen be incorporated into a growth recipe in order to optimize theenvironment that a system actuates towards for higher yields.

In another embodiment, there is a component, a “basin”, which is able tocatch water during irrigation to facilitate removal of grow tray(s)and/or grow tray lid(s) without unwanted splashing. When the grow traysare located in the system during irrigation, nutrient solution entersthe tray from an irrigation tube, pipe, or gutter, then is transferredfrom the tray to the basin below, where it is directed to the next trayor accumulated and directed to the next set of trays. When the tray isnot located in the system during irrigation, nutrient solution directlyenters the basin from the irrigation tube, pipe, or gutter, where it isdirected to the next tray(s). In one embodiment of the basin, it issized to be approximately twice the size of the molded drainage recessin the grow tray, so that the tray can be moved forward, resulting inthe nutrient solution flowing straight from the irrigation tube, pipe,or gutter into the basin, passing behind or to the side of the tray,while the tray continues to drain. This feature allows for a tray to bedrained completely before being removed during irrigation. In anotherfurther embodiment, the basin may connect to the grow tray or grow traylid by a quick connect or push connect mechanism. Such a mechanismallows fluid to pass between the basin and grow tray when connectedthrough one or more access points, and block fluid from passing throughthe one or more access points when the tray is not connected. In thisembodiment, the act of removing a tray could automatically disconnectit, or it could be disconnected by another manual mechanism such as avalve or button, or electromechanically by a mechanism such as asolenoid.

In one embodiment, there is a feature above or below the grow tray thatsupports the irrigation tube, pipe, or gutter. This feature can be aU-shaped clamp that is mounted with screws, bolts, or mechanical lockingtabs, or can be a compliant clamp with two holes that fit and hold theirrigation tube, pipe, or gutter, that when pressed together, allow forthe tube, pipe, or gutter to slide through and be removed from thesystem such as for cleaning. This supporting feature can also supportthe bottom end of the irrigation tube, pipe, or gutter, and regulate orcontrol the flow or direction or shape of the nutrient solution streamsuch as to reduce splashing or optimize mixing of the solution withinthe grow tray. In one embodiment, this feature also has a surface thatpartially or completely covers holes in the grow tray or lid to block orcontain splashing. In another embodiment, the basin and mounting featureare combined into a single piece.

In one embodiment, there are upper and lower “gutter” features thatdistribute and collect water to and from the growing trays. The uppergutter consists of a channel that is above or adjacent to the grow traysin which water flows through. In one possible configuration, there is anozzle, drain, or notch in the side or bottom of the upper gutter foreach tray, so that when water flows through the gutter, it is dispersedthrough the nozzle, drain, or notch into each tray. The upper gutter mayalso include a feature to set the water height during and betweenirrigation cycles, such as a gutter dam, which restricts water flowuntil the level reaches the height of the dam. Once the water levelreaches the height of the dam, water flows over and is directed away,such as to the successive tier of trays, the lower gutter, or thereservoir. The gutter dam may also have one or more small holes and/orslits so that between irrigation cycles, water drains from the uppergutter to avoid standing water and algae growth. The lower gutter, inone embodiment, is a channel that collects water draining from one ormore grow trays to direct the water to the next successive upper gutter,so that it can be distributed to the next successive grow tray(s). In apreferred embodiment, the upper and lower gutters are a single combinedfeature into which the grow trays are inserted into. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the lower gutter combines features of the basinfeature, such as one to block splashing, and is sized with extra room sothat a tray(s) can be partially removed during irrigation so that thewater exiting the upper gutter travels straight to the lower gutter andthe tray may be still be drained into the lower gutter before removal.By using upper and lower gutters to distribute and collect nutrientsolution, using a much larger number of tubes or pipes for irrigationcan be avoided, increasing aesthetic value and lowering the number ofparts that can be clogged and must be cleaned. In one embodiment, one ormore of the bottom gutters, and particularly the lowest bottom gutterunder the bottom tier of grow trays, has an additional gutter featureextending forward toward the front of the unit to direct water into thereservoir near the front of the unit. This allows for the reservoir,such as if mounted to a drawer or cart, may be partially or totallyremoved during irrigation. In another further embodiment, the upper andlower gutters, either separate or combined physically or by fluidaccess, connect to the grow tray or grow tray lid by a quick connect orpush connect mechanism. Such a mechanism allows fluid to pass betweenthe gutters and grow tray when connected through one or more accesspoints, and block fluid from passing through the one or more accesspoints when the tray is not connected. In this embodiment, the act ofremoving a tray could automatically disconnect it, or it could bedisconnected by another manual mechanism such as a valve or button, orelectromechanically by a mechanism such as a solenoid.

In hydroponics and indoor farming, there is a need for good airflow toregulate heat and moisture and mixing of the air around the plants andtheir roots. In one embodiment, many fans are mounted to one or moresides of an enclosed system, so that air is pushed in and pulled out indifferent locations, creating a crossflow past the plants. In anotherembodiment, one or more fans, such as cross flow fans, are mounted outof sight above or below the visible section of the system in which growtrays are located. The fan(s) push or pull air through a “distributioncolumn,” a column or pipe that is preferably located in the center ofthe system, oriented vertically. The distribution column may be clear,such as in a polycarbonate or acrylic material, to preserve aestheticquality of a system, and may have holes or slits cut to direct air outof the column towards plants. In a preferred embodiment of thedistribution column, there are at least two slits larger than 0.125″high and 0.25″ wide directing air at each growing tray. In suchembodiment, at least one is located to direct air at the plant canopyand at least one is directed lower towards the stem or roots of theplants. In another embodiment, there are multiple distinct channelswithin the distribution column or multiple distribution columns in orderto vary airflow to different areas of the system or to different growingtrays. In one embodiment, the sizes of the holes or slits can be variedto direct different amounts of airflow to different areas.

In one possible embodiment, there are multiple irrigation pumps to allowthe system to irrigate two or more groups of trays independently. Forexample, one pump could water the bottom half of a system twice dailywhile another pump could water the top half three times daily. In apreferred embodiment, one pump with multiple valves such as anelectronically actuated solenoid or ball valves arranged on its outputcan achieve a similar goal or effect. Each valve, when energizedalongside the pump, opens an independent path for irrigation such as toan individual grow tray, group of grow trays, a path for mixing water inthe reservoir, or a path to drain the reservoir. In one embodiment,there are sensors such as for pH or electrical conductivity mounted inthe irrigation line before it is split off into the independentirrigation paths. A flow sensor can also be mounted inline to measurehow much water is going to the grow trays or to monitor pump flow ratesuch as to determine if it or a valve is functioning properly.

In a possible embodiment, fiber optic sheets or cables are used todisperse light from a source such as the sun to plants on tiers of ahydroponic system. This allows for reduced electricity and otherresource needs and requirements by reducing the need for artificiallighting in vertically tiered units that normally shade plants fromsunlight.

In another possible embodiment, cameras are used to detect leaks bycalculating or identifying a change in reflectivity or color such as inthe base of the unit. In a further possible embodiment, ultrasoundsensors are used to achieve a similar goal, by either collectingultrasound data on a point source and measuring a difference inreflectance of ultrasound to identify the presence of water or bycreating a two-dimensional mapping of ultrasound reflectance to detectand locate leaks across a larger area such as near the electronics or onLED bars.

In a further embodiment, a system may connect to the internet bytethering via bluetooth or radio to another internet connected devicesuch as a mobile phone, or may be isolated from the internet and onlyconnect to another device such as a mobile phone for updates such as tochange a growth recipe.

In an additional embodiment, using locating visual features on a systemas well as an identifying feature specific to each farm, and a camerasuch as on a mobile phone, overlays of information such as crop types,harvest dates, and notifications can be overlaid on top of the image ofthe farm. This allows a user to point their mobile device at a farm togain information about its status or any actions that should be taken.

EXAMPLES Example 1

An apparatus of this invention was used as a functional growingappliance for home use. The system was used to grow basil, lettuce,spinach, kale, and bok choy. The system allowed for the year-roundgrowth of fresh produce, which was consumed by the users.

Example 2

An apparatus of this invention has been used as a growing appliance in arestaurant dynamic. The system was used to grow mint and parsley for usein, for example, drinks served to customers. The system was a productiveappliance, and the restaurant was able to save money on at least two keyingredients.

Example 3

An apparatus of this invention has been used as an interdisciplinaryeducational tool at the University of Virginia. The system is used as anindividual means of teaching students about sustainable agriculturalpractices, plant biology, nutrition, cooking, and living a healthylifestyle. The systems allow educators to provide an engaging experimentfor students year round. The system has multiple features that alignwith the setup core curriculum for interdisciplinary education.

Example 4

The core control system has been integrated into designs and apparatusrelating to the current invention described herein. For example, it hasbeen integrated into a vertical system that is attached to a wall orsupport structure enabling plant growth with more efficient space usage(see., e.g., FIG. 9). The core control system has also been tested on alarger fridge-styled system that contains multiple shelves for plants togrow on (see., e.g., FIG. 10). Accordingly, the growing surfaces can bestacked vertically or connected or placed horizontally to increase thegrowing area(s).

Example 5

The core control system has been tested as a modular device that can beapplied to any hydroponic apparatus. This would allow for hydroponicfarming operations being automatically regulated via one modular controlsystem. The applications for the core control system extend to thecurrent system and as a retrofit for less advanced systems; thefunctionality of the system, in aspects, removes the need for multipledifferent components involved in regulating a hydroponic farmingoperation. This would make hydroponic growing methods more accessible byreducing the complexity of the system and lowering the price, thusremoving many of the current barriers to entry.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed features may beused singularly, in any combination, or omitted based on therequirements and specifications of a given application or design. Whenan embodiment refers to “comprising” certain features, it is to beunderstood that the embodiments can alternatively “consist of” or“consist essentially of” any one or more of the features. Otherembodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention.

It is noted in particular that where a range of values is provided inthis specification, each value between the upper and lower limits ofthat range is also specifically disclosed. The upper and lower limits ofthese smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in therange as well. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is intendedthat the specification and examples be considered as exemplary in natureand that variations that do not depart from the essence of the inventionfall within the scope of the invention. Further, all of the referencescited in this disclosure are each individually incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties and as such are intended to provide anefficient way of supplementing the enabling disclosure of this inventionas well as provide background detailing the level of ordinary skill inthe art.

REFERENCES

All references cited in this application are incorporated herein byreference.

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1. A hydroponic growing system comprising: a. a first system of pipingor tubing capable of distributing water or other liquid to one or moretrays; b. a second system of piping or tubing capable of transferringunpressurized water or other liquid between the one or more trays; andc. a basin located below one or more of the one or more trays capable ofcollecting the water or other liquid when the one or more of the one ormore trays is removed from the hydroponic system.
 2. The hydroponicgrowing system of claim 1, wherein the basin is capable of fitting amolded drainage recess in the one or more trays.
 3. The hydroponicgrowing system of claim 1, wherein the basin is larger in size than amolded drainage recess in the one or more trays so that the one or moretrays can be moved during irrigation to allow a water or a nutrientsolution to pass directly or indirectly into the basin and/or the one ormore trays to drain.
 4. The hydroponic growing system of claim 1,further comprising a stationary splash guard adjacent to the firstsystem of piping or tubing and/or the second system of piping or tubing,wherein the splash guard is capable of blocking the water or otherliquid in or from the one or more trays, including splashes of the wateror other liquid from the one or more trays.
 5. The hydroponic growingsystem of claim 1, wherein a surface where the water or other liquidentering the basin from above the basin mostly contacts the surface issteeper nearer an exit drain from the basin.
 6. The hydroponic growingsystem of claim 1, wherein a drain in the one or more trays comprisesone or more upper openings and one or more lower openings, wherein theone or more upper openings are capable of setting a water or otherliquid height or level in the one or more trays, and wherein the one ormore lower openings are capable of draining the water or other liquid,including between irrigation cycles.
 7. The hydroponic growing system ofclaim 1, wherein the water or other liquid is distributed between two ormore growing tiers.
 8. The hydroponic growing system of claim 1, whereinthe water or other liquid is transferred using multiple pumps or valvesto one or more of a plurality of irrigations paths.
 9. The hydroponicgrowing system of claim 8, wherein each path of the plurality ofirrigation paths irrigates one or more of the one or more trays.
 10. Thehydroponic growing system of claim 1, further comprising a processor,wherein the processor directs where the water or other liquid istransferred using multiple pumps or valves, wherein the processorfurther determines which one or more of the plurality of irrigationpaths is to receive the water or liquid, and wherein each irrigationpath of the plurality of irrigation paths irrigates one or more of theone or more trays.
 11. The hydroponic growing system of claim 1, furthercomprising a processor, wherein the processor is capable of directingthe water or liquid to one or more of a plurality of irrigation paths,wherein each path of the plurality of irrigation paths irrigates one ormore of the one or more trays, according to an irrigation schedule or agrowth recipe.
 12. A hydroponic growing system comprising: a. a firstdistribution system capable of distributing water or other liquid to oneor more trays; b. a second distribution system comprising piping ortubing capable of transferring unpressurized water between the one ormore trays; and c. a gutter located below one or more of the one or moretrays capable of collecting the water or other liquid when the one ormore of the one or more trays is removed from the hydroponic system. 13.The hydroponic growing system of claim 12, wherein the gutter is capableof fitting a molded drainage recess in the one or more trays.
 14. Thehydroponic growing system of claim 12, wherein the gutter is larger insize than a molded drainage recess in the one or more trays so that theone or more trays can be moved during irrigation to allow a water or anutrient solution to pass directly or indirectly into the gutter and/orthe one or more trays to drain.
 15. The hydroponic growing system ofclaim 12, further comprising a stationary splash guard adjacent to thefirst distribution system and/or the second distribution system, whereinthe splash guard is capable of blocking the water or other liquid in orfrom the one or more trays, including splashes of the water or otherliquid from the one or more trays.
 16. The hydroponic growing system ofclaim 12, wherein a surface where the water or other liquid entering thegutter from above the gutter mostly contacts the surface is steepernearer an exit drain from the gutter.
 17. The hydroponic growing systemof claim 12, wherein a drain in the one or more trays comprises one ormore upper openings and one or more lower openings, wherein the one ormore upper openings are capable of setting a water or other liquidheight or level in the one or more trays, and wherein the one or morelower openings are capable of draining the water or other liquid,including between irrigation cycles.
 18. The hydroponic growing systemof claim 12, wherein the water or other liquid is distributed betweentwo or more growing tiers.
 19. The hydroponic growing system of claim12, wherein the water or other liquid is transferred using multiplepumps or valves to one or more of a plurality of irrigations paths. 20.The hydroponic growing system of claim 19, wherein each path of theplurality of irrigation paths irrigates one or more of the one or moretrays.
 21. The hydroponic growing system of claim 12, further comprisinga processor, wherein the processor directs where the water or otherliquid is transferred using multiple pumps or valves, wherein theprocessor further determines which one or more of the plurality ofirrigation paths is to receive the water or liquid, and wherein eachirrigation path of the plurality of irrigation paths irrigates one ormore of the one or more trays.
 22. The hydroponic growing system ofclaim 12, further comprising a processor, wherein the processor iscapable of directing the water or liquid to one or more of a pluralityof irrigation paths, wherein each path of the plurality of irrigationpaths irrigates one or more of the one or more trays, according to anirrigation schedule or a growth recipe.
 23. A hydroponic growing systemcomprising: a. a distribution system capable of distributing water orother liquid to and/or between one or more trays; b. a drain systemcapable of allowing for setting a water height within the one or moretrays during and between irrigation cycles; c. a second distributionsystem capable of transferring water from the one or more trays to berecirculated; and d. a gutter or basin located below one or more of theone or more trays capable of collecting the water or other liquid whenthe one or more of the one or more trays is removed from the hydroponicsystem.
 24. The hydroponic growing system of claim 22, wherein thegutter or basin is capable of fitting a molded drainage recess in theone or more trays.
 25. The hydroponic growing system of claim 22,wherein the gutter or basin is larger in size than a molded drainagerecess in the one or more trays so that the one or more trays can bemoved during irrigation to allow a water or a nutrient solution to passdirectly or indirectly into the gutter or basin and/or the one or moretrays to drain.
 26. The hydroponic growing system of claim 22, furthercomprising a stationary splash guard adjacent to the first distributionsystem and/or the second distribution system, wherein the splash guardis capable of blocking the water or other liquid in or from the one ormore trays, including splashes of the water or other liquid from the oneor more trays.
 27. The hydroponic growing system of claim 22, wherein asurface where the water or other liquid entering the gutter or basinfrom above the gutter or basin mostly contacts the surface is steepernearer an exit drain from the gutter or basin.
 28. The hydroponicgrowing system of claim 22, wherein a drain in the one or more trayscomprises one or more upper openings and one or more lower openings,wherein the one or more upper openings are capable of setting a water orother liquid height or level in the one or more trays, and wherein theone or more lower openings are capable of draining the water or otherliquid, including between irrigation cycles.
 29. The hydroponic growingsystem of claim 22, wherein the water or other liquid is distributedbetween two or more growing tiers.
 30. The hydroponic growing system ofclaim 22, wherein the water or other liquid is transferred usingmultiple pumps or valves to one or more of a plurality of irrigationspaths.
 31. The hydroponic growing system of claim 30, wherein each pathof the plurality of irrigation paths irrigates one or more of the one ormore trays.
 32. The hydroponic growing system of claim 22, furthercomprising a processor, wherein the processor directs where the water orother liquid is transferred using multiple pumps or valves, wherein theprocessor further determines which one or more of the plurality ofirrigation paths is to receive the water or liquid, and wherein eachirrigation path of the plurality of irrigation paths irrigates one ormore of the one or more trays.
 33. The hydroponic growing system ofclaim 22, further comprising a processor, wherein the processor iscapable of directing the water or liquid to one or more of a pluralityof irrigation paths, wherein each path of the plurality of irrigationpaths irrigates one or more of the one or more trays, according to anirrigation schedule or a growth recipe.